If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall paint chart and thought, “They all look the same,” only to find yourself weeks later staring at a room that feels either way too cold or bizarrely yellow… welcome. You’re among friends.

Paint is that quiet magic in our homes. It doesn’t speak loudly, but it sets the entire tone—mood, warmth, light. It’s the backdrop of our memories. The Sunday morning coffee corner. The wall our kids mark their heights on. The ceiling above our bed. It matters.

And yet, we often choose our colours too quickly, in the harsh lights of a shop, forgetting that light changes, moods shift, and paint has personality. So today, I’m answering 23 honest, heartfelt, practical questions about paint—colours, finishes, emotions, mistakes—things I’ve learnt over years as an interior designer in London, and as someone who’s repainted her own hallway four times. (Yes, really.)

 

1. Does natural light really change the colour?

Absolutely. Hugely.
Light is paint’s secret co-creator. North-facing rooms cool things down—think of light filtered through a cloudy day. East-facing rooms warm up in the morning, giving pinky golden tones. West-facing intensifies in the afternoon. South? It’s your spotlight—bright, crisp, clear. A pale grey in one room can read lilac in another. Try before you buy. Always.

2. Matt, satin, or gloss?

Matt hides imperfections like a soft-focus lens. Ideal for ceilings and high-traffic areas. Satin is your reliable best friend—easy to clean, forgiving, great for hallways and children’s bedrooms. Gloss is the diva—bold, dramatic, and the most washable. A touch of gloss on cabinetry or woodwork can completely shift a room’s character.

3. How many coats?

One coat is never enough. The first layer is usually just primer. Then two coats minimum, three if you’re going for deep or bold shades. And here’s a little insider tip: quality paint costs more, but you’ll use less. Some brands nail it in two coats. Others… not quite.

4. Do I really need primer?

Yes. Think of it as a good night’s sleep before a big day. Primer gives your paint the best chance to shine (and stay).

5. How can I test colours without ruining the wall?

Samples. Always.
Get tester pots, paint a few A3 sheets of lining paper (1:4 ratio works well), and move them around the room. Daylight, lamp light, shadow—they all change the game. And please don’t tape a single little square behind the sofa and call it a day. Let the colour move with you.

 

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6. How do I pick a whole-house palette?

Find your anchor tone—a soft neutral or gentle hue that threads through the house. It doesn’t mean every room is the same, but they should feel like cousins, not strangers. Vary the depth, warmth or finish depending on each room’s light and use.

7. The 60-30-10 Rule – does it apply to paint?

Yes!

• 60% dominant colour (walls)

• 30% secondary (maybe one feature wall or large furniture)

• 10% accent (door frames, textiles, a bold lamp)
  It keeps things visually calm and cohesive.

 

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8. Do colours affect our emotions?

Absolutely.

• Blues = calm and sleep

• Greens = balance and renewal

• Yellows = optimism and energy

• Reds = stimulation and warmth
  I once painted a studio in chalky sage and it completely shifted the mood of the space. You’d be amazed.

9. What colours make a room feel bigger?

Light ones: off-whites, soft greys, pale beige.
But also, the trick is consistency. If walls, trims, and ceilings are in the same tone, the eye doesn’t stop—it flows. Space expands.

10. What colours help us focus?

Mid-toned blues, muted greens. Avoid overly saturated tones—they buzz too much. Think library, not disco.

 

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11. Do ceilings have to be white?

Nope. White used to be the default, but now, matching ceilings and walls can create a cocoon effect—especially in high-ceilinged rooms. I recently did an entire living room in soft terracotta, including the ceiling. Dreamy.

12. Can I mix brands or finishes?

Better not. Even if two brands say they have the same colour, their pigment formulas differ—and it will show. If consistency matters, stick to one range.

13. Does weather affect drying?

Yes. Ideal painting weather is 10–30°C with humidity under 70%. Paint too cold? It won’t dry. Too hot? It cracks. Rainy day? Cancel the plan and light a candle instead.

14. Acrylic, vinyl, or alkyd?

• Acrylic: water-based, dries fast, easy cleanup.

• Vinyl: cheaper, less durable.

• Alkyd: oil-based, smells stronger, but lasts.

 

Your Questions, Answered

15. Are bold colours harder to maintain?

Both very light and very dark paints show more marks. Mid-tones are your low-maintenance middle ground.

16. Matching furniture to wall paint – can I?

Yes. Match tone AND finish for a seamless look, or mix up the sheen for contrast. A matt wall with a gloss cupboard in the same colour? Chef’s kiss.

17. Why did white become so popular?

Thank you, Bauhaus. White offered clarity, simplicity, hygiene. Still timeless, still beautiful.

18. Most timeless colours?

Neutrals with soul—sage, warm grey, dusty rose, sand, taupe. Not boring beige, but colours that feel like breath.

19. How do I get rid of paint smell?

Ventilation is key. Cross-breeze, windows open. Bowls of baking soda or vinegar can help too. Or burn a rosemary-scented candle.

20. Does gloss change the colour’s appearance?

Yes. The glossier it is, the deeper and more saturated it appears. Matt softens it. It’s all about finish.

21. What do I do with leftover paint?

Seal it tight and store in a cool place. Label it well. Otherwise, take it to a recycling centre—never pour down the sink.

22. How do I match paint with wood or metal?

Pay attention to undertones. Warm wood? Pair with warm hues—ochres, terracottas, muted pinks. Cool metals like chrome love icy greys and blues.

23. Biggest mistakes when painting?

• Not prepping the walls

• Not priming

• Choosing colour in-store only

• Rushing. (Oh, the rushing!)
  Slow down. This is your home, not a race.

 

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for staying with me.
And if you whisper “patience” in the comments—I’ll know you’re one of the ones who gets it.

 

I’m Miriam Prada, interior designer, Londoner, and lover of all things home.

See you next week,

MP

 

If want to watch this click HERE, Please note that this is in Spanish, but you can auto-translate the subtitles. 

 

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